Brazil | Preparing to Offer Visa - Free Entry for Chinese Citizens by 2026 to Boost Tourism and Enhance Economic Ties with the Asian Country

Brazil is bracing for a seismic shift in its tourism industry, as the South American country is preparing to offer visa - free entry for Chinese citizens, with an official announcement expected in early 2026, mirroring China’s existing visa waiver for Brazilians that run until May 2026, aiming to boost tourism and enhance economic ties between the two countries. 

This reciprocal move allows for short stays (up to 30 days) for tourism, business, and transit, building on China’s recent policy for Brazilian and Latin American visitors. 

After an 80% growth in Chinese visitors during 2024 and a 34% increase last year, Brazilian authorities project that this policy will be the definitive catalyst to reach the goal of 10 million international tourist per year. 

Key Details: 

•    Reciprocal Policy: China granted visa - free access to Brazilians (and other Latin Americans) from June 1, 2025, until May 31, 2026, for short stays. 
•    Brazil’s Response: Brazil’s tourism authorities are drafting a decree for a similar waiver for Chinese citizens, with an official announcement likely in early 2026. 
•    Purpose: To facilitate travel, reduce bureaucracy, and capitalize on China’s growing outbound tourism market, benefiting cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Amazonian destinations. 
•    Timing: The Brazilian measure is expected to be announced in early 2026, aligning with China’s existing policy. 

This milestone is not an isolated event, but the centrepiece of the celebration of the Year of Culture and Tourism between Brazil and China in 2026. This program will include joint festivals, investment missions and massive tourism promotions. 

Directly linked to this important event and to enhance the ties between the two nations, Embratur, (the Brazilian Tourism Promotion Agency) has intensified its actions at fairs such as ITB China and has launched an official site in Mandarin language to facilitate travel planning. 

The impact will not be limited to iconic Brazilian cities. China’s interest in ecotourism promises to boost the economy of the Amazon and Foz do Iguaçu, where specific packages for wildlife observation and jungle expeditions are already being developed. 

In addition to all that the Brazilian hotel sector is transforming its operations to welcome more Chinese travellers, a “China Effect” adapting its hospitality industry to this profile of visitor coming from East Asia. Tourists from China spend an average of US$ 2.000 per trip (triple the average South American tourist). Among the the main adaption are: 

•    Digital Payments: Massive implementation of Alipay and WeChat Pay in luxury hotels such as the Copacabana Palace and the Fasano Hotel, as well as in local businesses. 
•    Language Service: Recruitment of Mandarin – speaking staff and translation of menus and information materials. 
•    Adapted Gastronomy: Restaurants are incorporating familiar dishes for Chinese tourists along with traditional offer of feijoada and pão de queijo. 

In essence Brazil is strengthening tourism ties with China prioritizing Chinese visitors with visa facilitation, tailored experiences, and increased promotion, recognizing China as a crucial, fast - growing market, leveraging strong existing trade relations and cultural exchanges to boost visitor numbers to Brazil’s diverse attractions, like cities, rural areas, natural wonders as well as to know deeply Brazilian culture, traditions, gastronomy and much more.

Link 

https://infoturlatam.com/brasil-abre-sus-fronteras-a-china-sin-visa-para-2026/

Egypt | Simplifying Entry and Exit at its Airports

Egypt is simplifying entry and exit at its airports by eliminating paper landing/departure cards departures starting February 1, 2026, replacing them with a digital system for faster processing, aiming to reduce queues and enhance the passenger experience as part of a broader push for digital border management and improved tourism services, including streamlined e - visa processes.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that the so called “passport card”, a physical entry and exit form that both Egyptian citizens and international visitors must fill out manually, which has been the subject of several complaints for slowing down processes at Egyptian airports will be eliminated. 

Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh el Hefny, confirmed this move in an interview with a local television stating that the country intends to eliminate this bureaucratic procedures for passengers arriving and departing from Egyptian airports, a measure that seeks to speed up arrivals and departures.

After coordination with the Ministry of the interior and other competent authorities, these documents, which until now were mandatory to fill in and deliver at passport control, will begin to be eliminated, the aim is to facilitate travel procedures and reduce the time passenger spend at the airport, as well as representing a move to attract more visitors.

It should be noted that these forms, which until then are filled out by hand, requiring information such as name and surname, passport number, accommodation address in Egypt, purpose of travel and flight number significantly slowed down operations at the entrance to the North African country. 

The Minister added that the new procedures, include the use of an electronic passenger database and its linking to the Advance Passenger Information (API) system which allows for the pre - selection of information to facilitate entry. 

Improvements also include the provision of transport services within the airport, such as limousines and taxis, as well as the increase in the number of bank branches to facilitate the issuance of electronic visas and instant visas on arrival. 

The official stressed that these measures are not limited to the simple removal of these sheets, but are part of a comprehensive vision to improve the image of the Egyptian airports as the first point of contact for visitors, reflecting a positive experience and boosting the tourism sector in the country.

Key Changes and Benefits: 

•    No More Paper Cards: Travellers won’t need to fill on manual arrival/departure forms, saving time and reducing stress.
•    Digital Processing: Passenger data will be handled electronically through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, allowing pre – screening and quicker passport control. 
•    Faster Flow: The goal is to accelerate passenger movement, especially during peak times, by reducing paperwork at immigration. 
•    Broader Digitalization: This is part of a larger strategy to digitize airport services, including enhancing the electronic visa system. 

What This Means for Travellers: 

•    Smoother Arrivals and Departures: Expect less time spent on paperwork and potentially shorter lines at immigration. 
•    Improved Experience: The move aligns Egypt with international standards for efficient travel.

In essence Egypt is moving towards a fully digital border system to make travel more efficient and welcoming for tourists, with the paper card cancellation being a significant first step. 

Alongside this milestone the Ministry of Tourism announced that the country received nearly 19 million tourists in 2025, thus registering a record that exceeded even the forecast for 2026 and the government’s goal is now to reach 30 million annually. 

In this sense, the Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, assured that apart to streamline and simplify entry and exit at the airports, the country is actively working to improve the quality of various tourism services, while strengthening Egtypt’s global competitiveness. 

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2026/01/07/egito-simplifica-entrada-e-saida-nos-aeroportos

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | Revealed Plans to Develop a New Taj Hotel in Mohali, Punjab, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), hospitality firm part of Tata Group and based in Mumbai  has revealed plans to develop a new Taj hotel in Mohali, officially Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, a modern, planned city forming part of the Chandigarh Tricity area in the Indian state of Punjab.

Mohali isd known as a growing hub for IT, education, and sports (especially cricket) with good infrastructure, blending tradition and modernity with Punjabi culture and Sikh heritage, economically growing, with major institutions and attractions like PCA Stadium, attracting families and investors for its balanced cost of living compared to neighbouring Chandigarh.  

The future Taj Mohali is a greenfield development, set to increase the company presence in the state. This new development will enlarge The Indian Hotels Company Limited’s portfolio to 14 hotels, with seven currently under development.

The project aligns with the company’s strategy to expand in high - potential markets like Mohali, a city with a relevant grow as an IT and commercial hub, a key factor in IHCL’s decision to expand its presence in the area. 

The future Taj Mohali hotel will feature 225 comfortable rooms providing views of the surroundfing greenery, several dining options, an all - day restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a swimming pool, a gym, a health club, and the brand’s J Wellness Centre.

For meeting and events the property will provide significant event space, with over 26.000 square feet of banqueting space. This will position the hotel as a major venue for corporate functions, social gatherings and weddings in the region. 

The establishment will join the iconic Taj brand characterized by its deep Indian heritage, offering authentic cultural experiences, world - class service and with a strong commitment to sustainability.

The brand is also well known on preserving Indian culinary traditions and craftmanship, maintaining an emblematic luxury image, and expanding its global presence highlighting responsible tourism.

Links

https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/ihcl-signs-a-taj-in-mohali-punjab

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139413.html

The Gallivant Hotels | Unveiled Plans to Open its Second Property in New Romney, Kent, England, UK

 The Gallivant Hotels, a British distinctive hospitality brand founded by Harry Cragoe, primarily known for its award - winning, beachside boutique hotel located in Camber Sands, East Sussex, UK, unveiled plans to open its second property in New Romney, a market town in the county of Kent in southeastern England, famous as the “Garden of England”, for its fruit orchards and hops, but also for for its rich history and attractions, including the White Cliffs of Dover, rge iconic Canterbury Cathedral, and numerous historic castles like Dover, Leeds, and Hever.  

 New Romney is located on edge of Romney Marsh, in an area of flat, rich agricultural land reclaimed from the sea after the harbour began to silt up,  a centre which was historically one of the original Cinque Ports, offering an ample mix of historical and modern amenities, a fest for the nature lovers with scenic vista points for walking and hiking enthusiasts. 

Following delays to the launch of the brand’s Littlestone Beach hotel in Kent, the Gallivant Littlestone  is now scheduled to open in summer 2026 and will become the second site in the company’s portfolio, alongside the original Camber Sands property.

The group acquired the former Romney Bay House in 2022, when plans were announced to refurbish the building and reopening it as a boutique seaside hotel. The hotel was originally due to open in 2023 but has faced a number of delays.

 The Gallivant Littlestone Beach is hosted in a building which was originally designed by architect Clough - Williams Ellis, located 1.3 km from Broomhill Sands, on the coast road offering a stunning panoramic view across the English Channel with White cliffs on one side and Dungeness on the right, a short drive from The Gallivant Camber Sands.

The property will feature 13 rooms, a dining room, a sitting room, orangery, library and Nordic spa. Food and beverage will follow a flexible approach, allowing guests to choose where they dine across the ground floor rather than using a formal restaurant setting.

 The Gallivant Hotels founder, Harry Cragoe said that the new opening aims to create a private beach house feel, encouraging social interaction in shared spaces while allowing guests the option of privacy if preferred.

 Link

https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/the-gallivant-property-summer-2026/

Choice Hotels | North American Expansion with Plans to Open Six New Ascend Collection Properties in Québec, Canada

Choice Hotels International, Inc., American multinational company based in North Bethesda, Maryland, a major lodging franchisor, operating thousands of hotels globally, across upscale, midscale, extended - stay, and economy segments has announced a multi - unit agreement to expand its Ascend Collection in the North American market with plans to open six new properties in Québec, eastern  province of Canada, the largest of Canada’s 10 provinces in area and is second only to Ontario in  population, a francophone province highlighted by majestic mountain peaks covered with forest and ice fields to vast prairies, fertile valleys, cascading rivers and crystal lakes.  

The new hotels are scheduled to open by early 2026, marking a significant step in Choice Hotels’ growth strategy following the consolidation of Choice Hotels Canada. 

The new Canadian properties will be located in the Montréal and various areas in Québec, increasing the Ascend Collection’s presence in high demand destinations, a relevant expansion will add to the brand’s portfolio, which currently includes over 450 properties worldwide. 

The multi - unit agreement is led by Bing Zhao, a Québec - based hotel developer and a Choice Hotels franchise since 2017. Zhao’s involvement underscores the company’s commitment to working with established developers to grow its portfolio in key markets.

he establishments will join the Ascend Collection, Choice Hotels’ “soft brand”, a global portfolio of unique, independent boutique, historic, and upscale hotels that keep their individual character maintaining their own unique names, designs, and local flavours, while leveraging Choice Hotels’s booking system and loyalty program (Choice Privileges) for global reach and support.

 The six properties include: 

•    Hotel Brossard, Brossard: Located minutes from downtown Montréal, providing good value with essential services for travellers, this hotel will feature 139 comfortable and spacious rooms including suites with European chateau – inspired décor, and amenities like free hot breakfast, Wi – Fi, aznd large, secure parking. 
•    Hotel Cheribourg, Orford: With a easy access to Mont – Orford National Park, ideal destination for hiking and skiing, the hotel will feature123 rooms, dining at Les Sommets, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness centre, jacuzzis, extensive family amenities like a game room with bouncy castles, and a mini – cinema, plus pet – friendly options (with fees). 
•    Hotel Du Domaine, Thetford Mines: This hotel offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, this upscale hotel on tree – lined grounds with a lake is 3 km from Québec Route 112, features over 100 rooms, including lakeside chalets and ready – to – camp pods, multiple restaurants, and lake access with a private beach. The property offers experience with all season – activities like kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and an indoor/outdoor pool. 
•    Hotel Metropolitan Montréal, Montréal: This hotel located in a residential area along the Trans – Canada Highway, 4 km from Montréal Botanical Garden, 6 km from Olympic Stadium and 6 km from downtown Montréal. The property features 92 comfortable rooms, some of them comprise a kitchen and a dining area, and have self – catering options such as coffee and tea makers. The hotel also provides an on – site Cuban restaurant, a cocktail var and a 24 – hour gym. 
•    La Cache du Lac Champlain, Venise - en - Québec: This polished spa boutique hotel is located in a rural area off Highway 2 overlooking Lake Champlain is 25 km from Fort Lennox National Historic Site.  The property features 56 comfortable and stylish rooms, a warm wood - panelled restaurant/bar, s spa offering hydrotherapy pool and massage services, as well as beauty treatments. Other amenities include a gym, event space and an 18 - hole golf course. 
•    Manor Des Sables, Orford: Set by a lake and surrounded by countryside, this stylish hotel is 5 km from Mount Orford ski resort, Cherry River Marsh and 6 km from downtown Magog. The property features 141 rooms, a bar, a pub and a bistro with heated terrace, indoor and outdoor pools a spa, a gym, and event/conference facilities.

The expansion is part of Choice Hotels’ broader strategy to enhance its presence in Canada, where the company has reported a 7% year - over - year increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) in the third quarter of 2025. Choice Hotels has more than 2.800 rooms in the pipeline in Canada and plans to introduce new brands, including Cambria hotels, in the market next year.

Choice Hotels’ international expansion has alsop included recent developments in Africa, Australia, Brazil, China, and France, as the company continues to expand its global footprint. 

Links
https://media.choicehotels.com/2026-01-06-Choice-Hotels-International-Accelerates-Growth-in-Canada-with-Six-New-Ascend-Collection-Properties-in-Quebec
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139409.html

Petra, Jordan | Recorded its Highest Single - Day Visitor Count Since 2023

Petra, iconic, ancient Nabatean city located in southern Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, renowned for its unique features with its monumental architecture, carved directly into the rose - red sandstone walls, making it  an incomparable testament to the engineering and artistic ingenuity of the Nabatean civilization,  rediscovered by Swiss Explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, recently recorded its highest single - day visitor count since 2023 with a total of 3.986 visitors on a single day in late December 2025.

The recent increase in visitors’ numbers is attributed to factors like intensive tourism promotion, improved services, and enhanced safety measures at the site.  

This exceptional figure, dominated by international tourists, signals a strong recovery for Jordan’s tourism sector, highlighting Petra, as Jordan’s top tourist destination and symbol of national identity, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for its historical value, natural beauty, and aura of ancestral mystery of an emblematic centre probably founded in the fourth century BCE,  elevating itself in that era as a thriving trading hub in the Middle East that controlled relevant caravan routes connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean basin. 

The record - breaking day saw a diverse influx of tourists: 

•    International tourists: 3.273 
•    Arab visitors: 139
•    Jordanians: 79 
•    Residents: 45

Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) Chairman Fares Breizat noted that the largest group of visitors included Italians with 736 tourists, followed by Russians with 404, Spaniards with 373, Americans with 361, French with 229 and British with 212. Visitors also arrived from India with 146 tourists, Bulgaria with 116, Indonesia With 102 and Germany with 100, highlighting the diversity of source of markets and the return of Petra to international tourism itineraries.

PDTRA Chairman described the figure as an important and positive indicator of the recovery of the tourism sector in Petra, and stressed that most of the visitors came from abroad, reflecting renewed confidence among global tourism markets in the site as one of the mosdt significant destinations. 

The Chairman  also attributed the increase in visitor numbers to the cessation of the Israeli war on Gaza, as well as a series of integrated efforts that included intensive tourism promotion campaigns, constant coordination with the relevant authorities and the improvement of services offered to visitors, maintaining high security standards at the site. 
 

The official also pointed to increasingly positive indicators of growth in family tourism, whether through organised foreign tour groups or Arab and Jordanian visitors, noting that the authority is giving particular attention to this segment with the aim to build on it by developing services, upgrading facilities and enhancing the overall visitor experience in ways that meet family needs and encourage longer stays in Petra.

Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority Head expressed optimism about the coming period visitor number to continue rising during January and February and through to the end of the next tourism season, with the return of global and increased demand from tour groups, and he also stressed the authority commitment to supporting the tourism sector and strengthening its role in the economic and social development of local communities in Petra.

Link 

https://jordantimes.com/news/local/petra-records-highest-daily-visitor-total-since-2023

Cienfuegos, Cuba | Making Significant Strides in Tourism Development

Cienfuegos province, located in the southern - central region of Cuba on the entrance to Cienfuegos Bay on the Caribbean Sea, with its capital city also named Cienfuegos, known as “The Pearl of the South”, highlighted by its port and urban core showing refined French architectural influences, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site, a centre serving as a vital trade centre for southern Cuba, in a land which boasts a vibrant cultural scene, as well as beautiful bay views from the Punta Gorda Peninsula, and natural attractions like the stunning El Nicho waterfalls, is making significant tourism strides in tourism development. 

The province is actively working in developing new infrastructure like the renovated Cabaret Costa Sur and Hotel La Punta under construction, alongside promoting ecotourism, diving, and recreational boating, building on its UNESCO listed French - influenced centre in its capital and its natural attractions like the Bay of Cienfuegos and Guanaroca Lagooon, famous for a large presence of flamingos.

Key Tourism Developments: 

•    Infrastructure Projects: Focus on enhancing visitor experience with new constructions like Hotel La Punta (set for 2026) and refurbishment at Hotel Jagua, and Cabaret Costa Sur, notes CubaPlus Magazine. 
•    Renewable Energy: Installation of solar lighting is part of the modernization efforts. 
•    Ecotourism and Aventure: Active promotion of diving (Guajimico area), recreational boating, and nature reserve like Guanaroca Lagoon, home to flamingos, highlights CubaPlus Magazine. 

These advancements aim to solidify Cienfuegos as a key destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors with its unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty, despite broader challenges facing Cuban tourism.

A report published in the newspaper Granma points out to this scenario of the Cuban province highlighting the enormous efforts of the travel industry’s employees to elevate the destination as a tourist hub of relevance.

The publication indicates that these are considerable advances of the program planned for the tourism sector in the territory as reported by the delegate of the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) in the province, Yuri Quevedo Pupo.

The executive highlighted the assembly of solar lamps and several completed works concerning the rehabilitation of local infrastructure, among which he cited that of the Cabaret Costa Sur, a relevant recreational plaza rebuilt which reopened its doors on January 1. 2026. 

The delegate of the Ministry of Tourism also gave prominence to the repair of the Hotel Jagua (in progress) and the construction of the Hotel La Punta, scheduled to be completed in 2026, all plans focused on the objective of adding motivation to the national and international visitors who wish to travel to the Cuban province.

The official highlighted the implementation of a charging station for electric cars at the points of the Hotel La Unión, located in the historic centre of the capital of the province, Cienfuegos, and in another at the Ranchón de Aguada de Pasajeros, a well - known stopping point on Cuba’s National Highway, famous for being a place to buy clothes, watches and other exclusive items, as well as offering a respite to travellers, often functioning as a tourist destination of interest on that Cuban route.   

The delegate of the Ministry of Tourism also recalled that, as of Last December, flights between Cienfuegos and Toronto, Canada, were reactived, from where many Canadian tourists come every high season to their favourite facility in the territory, the Rancho Luna Hotel, located in Playa Rancho Luna, 18 kilometres from the city of Cienfuegos, a renowned eco hotel surrounded by nature at wild beach offering a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/destacan-avances-turisticos-en-provincia-cienfuegos-de-cuba/